Picture this: You just got back from a trip to Greece or Southern Italy, where your days started with sunlight flooding into a breezy bedroom, continued with long meals under shaded terraces, and ended with the scent of lavender and the sound of cicadas. The hardest part? Coming home and realizing you left that feeling behind. The Mediterranean lifestyle is about more than a destination—it’s a way of living. And more people are asking: “Why leave that behind at all?”
At AV Architects + Builders, the belief is simple: your home should feel like the best vacation you’ve ever had—every single day. Our design philosophy, Vacation Style Living®, is rooted in well-being, minimalism, and intentional living. Over the years, countless homeowners have transformed not just their spaces but also their day-to-day lives by applying Mediterranean principles to home design. And it goes beyond aesthetics,this is about creating a lifestyle that invites rest, connection, and joy.
This blog explores how you can bring that experience into your own home. You’ll discover how to recognize Mediterranean elements, learn tips to make your space feel like a resort, and understand how this style can fit into your life—yes, even right here in Northern Virginia.
When people hear Mediterranean-style home, visions of red-tiled roofs and arched doorways might come to mind—but there’s much more to it. This architectural style draws inspiration from the sun-drenched coastal regions of Southern Europe—think Spain, Italy, Greece, and Southern France. The homes there are built for everyday ease, with comfort and flow at the heart of each decision.
You can spot one by looking for:
If your dream home feels like a place to unwind, entertain, and breathe—Mediterranean design could be the perfect fit.
There’s a reason this style evokes such calm. It’s more than sunlight and tile—it’s about how the design affects your mood. Wide open spaces create a sense of freedom. Earth-toned textures reduce visual noise. Flowing layouts gently guide you into a slower pace of life. Even sunlight and ventilation work harder here, creating a home that lifts your energy and encourages presence.
You don’t just live in these spaces—you feel better in them.
Designing this way means thinking about how your home helps you recharge, connect, and enjoy life at a more human pace.
1. Indoor Meets Outdoor, Effortlessly
In a Mediterranean-style home, nature isn’t something you escape to—it’s part of the architecture. Picture oversized sliding doors that disappear, patios that feel like another living room, and shaded outdoor nooks perfect for mid-afternoon reading. These elements aren't just for aesthetics—they're for daily use and enjoyment.
If you’ve ever wished your home made it easier to enjoy the fresh air, this style has already solved that. Indoor-outdoor flow creates the perfect backdrop for everything from weekday dinners to weekend brunches. Vacation Style Living® starts with rethinking how you move between spaces.
2. Natural Materials = Natural Comfort
Mediterranean homes lean into what’s real: terracotta, stone, linen, reclaimed wood, and hand-finished tiles. These aren’t just beautiful materials—they’re practical, sustainable, and grounded in tradition. They help regulate temperature naturally and develop character over time.
Want your home to feel timeless instead of trendy? Focus on the tactile details. Whether you’re choosing clay tile over porcelain or limewash instead of standard paint, these are the choices that make your home feel like a retreat.
And for those seeking a luxe touch, you can even layer in European furniture and curated textures to elevate the experience.
3. The Lifestyle Layout: Less Rush, More Rest
At its core, Mediterranean living is about slowing down. Homes built around this idea make it easier to do exactly that. Central courtyards become natural gathering spaces. Kitchens flow into conversation areas. Bedrooms turn into personal sanctuaries—not just a place to sleep, but to reset.
Consider ditching formal rooms you never use and instead designing spaces that invite connection or calm. Whether you’re hosting friends, lounging solo, or spending quiet mornings on the patio—this is a layout made to support your real life, not just a floor plan.
The Solar House, Arlington, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
Even if you’re far from the Mediterranean Sea, the principles translate beautifully to the Northern Virginia region. In fact, the changing seasons and wooded landscapes here offer an incredible backdrop for this style. Mediterranean homes aren’t just visually striking—they’re practical, energy-efficient, and built to make the most of natural surroundings.
With the right approach, it’s easy to incorporate these design elements into your home here—whether through a new build or a smart, lifestyle-oriented renovation. From capturing natural light to building in seamless outdoor access, this style feels surprisingly at home in the DMV.
Absolutely. You don’t need to live on the coast to enjoy a Mediterranean home. The same design principles—light orientation, indoor-outdoor flow, and simple elegance—are well-suited to Northern Virginia’s climate and lifestyle.
Whether you're starting fresh or looking to reimagine your current space, Mediterranean design offers a way to make your home feel like a getaway every time you walk through the door. It’s less about imitation and more about adopting the lifestyle—with materials, features, and layouts tailored to you.
Today, it’s not just about what a home looks like—it’s about how it supports your lifestyle. If you value sunlight, simplicity, rest, and connection, Mediterranean design might be the missing piece.
Think of it as a design language that speaks to a slower, more meaningful way of living—one where your home becomes your favorite place to be, every single day.
If you’re ready to create a home that feels as good as it looks, AV Architects + Builders is here to help you get started. With decades of experience and a modern approach to Vacation Style Living®, our team designs homes that support the life you actually want to live.
Schedule a discovery call to learn how we can help bring that vision to life. And don’t forget to visit our Learning Center for more insights on architecture, lifestyle, and custom home building—made simple and inspiring.